BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY MAY 20th -- Curator Cheryl Sokolow of C Fine Art and the Peconic Land Trust will partner to bring contemporary sculpture to Bridgehampton this summer at Bridge Gardens.

The beautiful 5-acre property will become home to approximately 15 over life-size sculptures by 9 contemporary artists for the summer season. Participating artists include Kevin Barrett, John Van Alstine, John Ruppert, Isobel Folb Sokolow, Jim Henderson, Joel Perlman, Carol Ross, Win Knowlton, and Naomi Teppich.

All of the artists selected are internationally recognized and supported by an accomplished record of fellowships, awards and exhibitions. Most are museum collected and all have extensive exhibition histories with galleries, museums and public works venues throughout the United States and Europe.

By exploring our relationship with the natural world and the one which we create, “Uncommon Ground” examines the existing nature of things, the “basic set of assumptions” regarding the world of natural matter and the matter of the mind. The dynamic of the garden itself, with its undulating play between the purely natural and “cultivated”, provides the substrate or “ground” from which the sculptures are seemingly born. Echoed here is the artist’s plight as he/she moulds, cuts, chisels or welds, creating a balance between malleability and constraint dictated by the natural characteristics of the chosen medium.

Each piece presents a different response to its environment -- some mimic or imitate, while others describe organicism through the use of form, composition or material. In each case, a unique spatial reality is created, one which confronts and interacts with the viewer on a variety of levels. The exhibition explores these ideas through a survey of the various mediums and techniques employed by the sculptors represented.

“In working with Cheryl and the artists, we found a wonderful balance between the garden’s intrinsic beauty and the natural elegance of the sculptures. The gardens and artwork complement each other – and give the gardens a new dimension and point of reference for both the new visitor as well as our loyal garden members.” said Rick Bogusch, Garden Manager, Bridge Gardens.

ABOUT BRIDGE GARDENSBridge Gardens was founded in 1988 by Harry Neyens and Jim Kilpatric who designed and installed the gardens over the ensuing 20 years. In 2008 Bridge Garden was donated to the Peconic Land Trust. The Peconic Land Trust, a not–for-profit organization, conserves the working farms, natural lands and heritage of Long Island. With the help of many, the Trust has worked in partnership with landowners, local government, organizations, and communities to conserve over 10,000 acres of land on Long Island. The gardens are located on Mitchell Lane near the center of Bridgehampton and close to the site of other art events that will occur simultaneously throughout the season.